Bottom Field

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 A continuation of "Different Habitats".


The area marked "Bottom Field" is an approximately rectangular section around 80m square. When we arrived here 14 years ago this field had been treated in the same way as the farm fields next door and was "improved". Improved fields have had fertilisers added. 14 years ago the flora was identical to the farmer's field next door. Since we arrived we have allowed the field to be grazed by sheep a couple of times a year but have discouraged the farmer from adding supplementary feed. The idea is to create a nutrient poor environment which reduces the growth of grass and allows the wildflowers to come through. There have been some encouraging changes in this field in the last couple of years and we are starting to see some wild orchids appearing. Another 10 years of "neglect" and we might see a wildflower meadow here.
The field is bounded on one side by a hedge (mostly blackthorn and hawthorn) which separates us from the lane. On the other side a hedge ( relaid about 10 years ago) and a line of trees. Oak, cherry, beech and hawthorn.
The field is grazed by rabbits and there are plenty of vole runs. Kestrels and owls hunt the voles and we often see kestrels perching on the power lines that run over the field. The hedgerows are used by stoats and hedgehogs and bats use the hedge line as a "highway " in the summer.


This field is subject to flooding after heavy rain. The sike overflows and the water reaches about half way up the field towards the house. I have toyed with the idea of digging a pond next to the sike to take the overflow water. I think this would slow the flow of water downstream as well as providing a new wildlife habitat  - but the bureaucracy involved is mind boggling and it is expensive to even apply for permission so I have let it go. It's a shame that the system isn't easier to navigate for people wanting to create something for the public good.
                                                                      Diary
Raining and about 6C. I am hearing the rooks noisily at roosting time in the evenings.
Some red squirrel in the camera trap by the house.





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